Tooth loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and volumetric brain differences: a population-based study

• Published in: Neurobiology of aging 2018-07, Vol.67, p.23-30
• Main Authors: Dintica, Christina S., Rizzuto, Debora, Marseglia, Anna, Kalpouzos, Grégoria, Welmer, Anna-Karin, Wårdh, Inger, Bäckman, Lars, Xu, Weili
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive aging; Cohort study; Gray matter; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Neuroimaging; Tooth loss
• ISSN: 0197-4580; 1558-1497; 1558-1497
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.03.003

Tooth loss has been related to cognitive impairment; however, its relation to structural brain differences in humans is unknown. Dementia-free participants (n = 2715) of age ≥60 years were followed up for up to 9 years. A subsample (n = 394) underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. Information on tooth loss was collected at baseline, and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini–Mental State Examination at baseline and at follow-ups. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models and linear regression models. At baseline, 404 (14.9%) participants had partial tooth loss, and 206 (7.6%) had complete tooth loss. Tooth loss was significantly associated with a steeper cognitive decline (β: −0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.24 to −0.11) and remained significant after adjusting for or stratifying by potential confounders. In cross-sectional analyses, persons with complete or partial tooth loss had significantly lower total brain volume (β: −28.89, 95% CI: −49.33 to −8.45) and gray matter volume (β: −22.60, 95% CI: −38.26 to −6.94). Thus, tooth loss may be a risk factor for accelerated cognitive aging.